Is e336i vegan?

E336i is the European food additive code for monopotassium tartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar or potassium bitartrate. It is a potassium acid salt of tartaric acid that is commercially produced as a byproduct of winemaking. During the fermentation of grape juice, tartrates naturally crystallize on the walls of storage casks. These raw deposits are collected, dissolved in water, purified, and neutralized with potassium hydroxide to form a fine white powder. In commercial food production, E336i functions as a leavening agent, stabilizer, and acidity regulator found in baking powder, baked goods, confectionery, and dry dessert mixes.

This additive is considered vegan because it is derived entirely from plant and mineral sources. The primary raw material is obtained from grapes, and the chemical synthesis and crystallization processes do not involve animal tissues, animal derivatives, or animal-based processing aids. Because monopotassium tartrate has no animal source at any stage of manufacturing, ingredients listed as E336i are suitable for a vegan diet.